Report: Rovers U18s 1 Newcastle U18s 2

Brad Lynch's late goal couldn't prevent Rovers Under-18s from falling to a 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle in the Premier League Cup.

Rovers went into the game on the back of a successful start to their FA Youth Cup campaign, having progressed past Tranmere in midweek, and looking to build on their 1-1 draw with Chelsea in their opening group game.

However, a below-par performance proved costly, as Billy Barr's side slipped to a disappoitning defeat.

Newcastle led 2-0 at half-time, as Rovers twice failed to deal with the visitors' counter-attacking style of play.

Rovers improved after the interval and pulled a goal back from minutes from time when Lynch latched onto a second ball into the box to score, but it proved to be too little too late.

After the game, Barr said: "It was a case of 'after the Lord Mayor's show'.

"We had three lads with the Under-23s the night before, who played their part in a great performance and victory over Watford.

"Unfortunately, we were very average to say the least. We highlighted the route that other players have had, but some are not taking their chances.

"As a group, we need to find some form, because we were very poor.

"We had half a team missing, which had an effect, but we didn't threaten or retain possession up front for any sustained period of time, which was disappointing."